Traceable and Theft Deterrent Reclaimable Product

ABSTRACT

A theft deterrent product may be provided. First, a plurality of unique codes may be created. Then a plurality of indicia may be placed periodically and longitudinally on the product. The plurality of indicia may respectively correspond to the plurality of unique codes. The product may have an outer layer and into an portion. Placing the plurality of indicia may comprise etching through the outer layer and into the inner portion. In a database, the plurality of unique codes may be assigned to an organizational entity. The organizational entity may comprise a first enterprise.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. applicationSer. No. 12/433,440, filed Apr. 30, 2009, which is incorporated hereinby reference. U.S. application Ser. No. 12/433,440 is acontinuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/269,110,filed Nov. 12, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference.Furthermore, under provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), U.S. applicationSer. No. 12/269,110 claimed the benefit of U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 60/987,566, filed Nov. 13, 2007, which is incorporated herein byreference.

COPYRIGHTS

All rights, including copyrights, in the material included herein arevested in and the property of the Applicants. The Applicants retain andreserve all rights in the material included herein, and grant permissionto reproduce the material only in connection with reproduction of thegranted patent and for no other purpose.

BACKGROUND

Due to certain metals' economic value, these metals may be targeted fortheft. While copper may not be considered a precious metal, it does havea high economic value. The same can be said for aluminum, though it maybe valued less than copper. Electrical wire and cable may comprisemetals such as aluminum and copper. Consequently, electrical wire andcable may be targeted for theft. For example, a thief may enter awarehouse storing electrical wire and cable and may steal the storedelectrical wire and cable. As another example, a thief may enter anelectrical substation operated by an electric utility in order to stealany electrical wire and cable used in the electrical substation. In theelectrical substation example, the thief may target, for example, barecopper ground wires running throughout the electrical substation. Oncestolen, the electrical wire and cable may be taken to a recycling centerand sold as scrap metal. The recycling center's operator may have no wayto distinguish between stolen electrical wire and cable and legitimatescrap electrical wire and cable in the conventional commercial course.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter. Nor is this Summaryintended to be used to limit the claimed subject matter's scope.

A theft deterrent product may be provided. First, a plurality of uniquecodes may be created. Then a plurality of indicia may be placedperiodically and longitudinally on the product. The plurality of indiciamay respectively correspond to the plurality of unique codes. Theproduct may have an outer layer and an inner portion. Placing theplurality of indicia may comprise etching through the outer layer andinto the inner portion. In a database, the plurality of unique codes maybe assigned to an organizational entity. The organizational entity maycomprise a first enterprise.

Both the foregoing general description and the following detaileddescription provide examples and are explanatory only. Accordingly, theforegoing general description and the following detailed descriptionshould not be considered to be restrictive. Further, features orvariations may be provided in addition to those set forth herein. Forexample, embodiments may be directed to various feature combinations andsub-combinations described in the detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this disclosure, illustrate various embodiments of the presentinvention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating a bare solid conductor;

FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating a stranded conductor;

FIG. 1C is a diagram illustrating a multi-layered conductor;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of theft deterrent system;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a method for providing a theft deterrentcable;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a product processor;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a cable having an indicator; and

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a product having an indicator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings.Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawingsand the following description to refer to the same or similar elements.While embodiments of the invention may be described, modifications,adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example,substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to the elementsillustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may bemodified by substituting, reordering, or adding stages to the disclosedmethods. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limitthe invention.

Consistent with embodiments of the invention, a theft deterrent processmay be provided. The process may provide traceability for any products(e.g. electrical wire, electrical cable, cathodes, etc.) that may bestolen and then recycled. The products may be metal-based and may have ahigh scrap monetary value. Products such as copper or aluminum cable canbe bare or covered. Embodiments of the invention may provide, forexample, a process for placing a number of highly tamper resistanttraceable indicia on a product's surface. The indicia may include codesthat may be continuously indexed and may be uniquely specific to theproduct having the indicia. At the product's sale and shipment point,the codes may be assigned to a specific order and/or end user. Acomputer based user interface and data storage system may allow fortraceability at any point after sale by, for example, a scrap dealer, acustomer, a law enforcement agency, or any other third party.

Embodiments of the invention may include a laser based marking systemthat may be able to mark at high line speeds onto, for example, a metalsurface. Indicia including unique codes may be etched by the laser basedmarking system on the metal surface in periodic increments that may bespaced by several feet or longer. The code may also be printed withoutany spacing. Since the code may change with the product's length, whenthe product is later cut to a specific length, the code may help providea length indication for the product to a specific order, end user, ordesignated third party. A computer system may store the unique traceablecode for any desired length of time and may interface with anothercomputer interface system. The computer system can be updated as theproduct's legitimate ownership changes hands. This interface can be usedby a designated third party (e.g. scrap dealer, reclaimer, recycler, lawenforcement, etc.) at any time to determine the product's ownershipchain.

An ink based system (e.g. ink jet printers) may be used to print onto acovering or an indenting metal wheel may be used. A problem with ink onmetal surfaces centers around adhesion. It may not be practical to cleandrawing oils or other contaminants from cables completely prior tomarking to improve adhesion. Also, many ink types do not stand up wellto high temperatures or UV exposure over long time periods. Furthermore,when metals oxidize, ink may not provide an effective visualidentification level. An indenting metal wheel may not be suitable dueto manufacturing line speed considerations because the wheel may need aslow line speed. Also, interstices in many stranded conductors may notprovide enough contact area for an effective indent marking by thewheel. Moreover, it may be difficult to index a marking wheel (due tomechanical limitations) to provide a unique indexable and traceablecode.

Embodiments of the invention may provide a process to print (e.g. on ametal surface) with a laser source, chemical etching method, hightemperature/high adhesion ink, high speed indexing printing wheel, orother processes for providing a highly tamper resistant traceable code.For example, a laser based printing system may be used to provide highspeed, legibility, tamper resistance, and traceability. The laser systemcan have many different laser source types such as YAG and CO2.Furthermore, many different methods for focusing the intense laserenergy on, for example, a metal surface may be used. Embodiments of theinvention may also provide several ways to move a laser energy beam fastenough to print effectively at high line speeds. The print imparted bythe laser beam may provide a highly tamper resistant marking. The laserbeam may burn away metal (or other material) to a desired depth toprovide a very long lasting marking when exposed to environmentconditions. Or the marking process may only alter a surface appearancewithout physically removing any metal or other material. Notwithstanding, this type marking may be legible when metal oxidizes andmay not be compromised if the metal is exposed to high temperatures.

FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating a bare solid conductor 105.Embodiments of the invention may provide solid conductor 105 with aplurality of indicia (e.g. a first indicia 110, a second indicia 115,and a third indicia 120) periodically and longitudinally on bare solidconductor 105. Bare solid conductor 105 may comprise, but is not limitedto, copper or aluminum.

FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating a stranded conductor 125. Embodimentsof the invention may provide stranded conductor 125 with a plurality ofindicia (e.g. a fourth indicia 130 and a fifth indicia 135) periodicallyand longitudinally on stranded conductor 125. As shown in FIG. 1B, withstranded conductor 125, fourth indicia 130 and fifth indicia 135 mayeach be placed to respectively fit on a first individual strand 136 anda second individual strand 137 of stranded conductor 125. In this way,interstices 138 between stranded conductor 125's individual strands maybe avoided by embodiments of the invention when fourth indicia 130 and afifth indicia 135 are applied to stranded conductor 125.Notwithstanding, the indicia may or may not follow individual strandhelix. Embodiments of the inventions may include placing the indiciaalong an axis parallel to the conductor axis as shown in FIGS. 1A and1C. Indicia portions may fall into the interstices, but may still bevisually or otherwise legible.

FIG. 1C is a diagram illustrating a multi-layered conductor 140.Embodiments of the invention may provide multi-layered conductor 140with a plurality of indicia (e.g. a sixth indicia 145 and a seventhindicia 150) periodically and longitudinally on multi-layered conductor140. As shown in FIG. 1C, multi-layered conductor 140 may include aninterior layer 155, a conductor 160, and a jacket 165. Conductor 160 maycomprise, but is not limited to, copper or aluminum. Conductor 160 maybe configured in any way including, but not limited to, stranded orsolid. Moreover, multi-layered conductor 140 may not be limited toconductor 160 and may include more than one conductor. Furthermore,multi-layered conductor 140 may include any number of layers. Any layerof multi-layered conductor 140 may be conductive, semi-conductive, orinsulative. Consistent with embodiments of the invention, sixth indicia145 and seventh indicia 150 may be placed on an exterior of any layer ofmulti-layered conductor 140. While FIG. 1C shows sixth indicia 145 andseventh indicia being placed on jacket 165, sixth indicia 145 andseventh indicia may be placed on the exterior of any one or more layersof multi-layered conductor 140. Moreover, sixth indicia 145 and seventhindicia may be placed on conductor 160 or on any one or more conductorsof multi-layered conductor 140.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of theft deterrent system 200. As shown inFIG. 2, system 200 may include a product processor 205, a firstenterprise processor 210, a network 215, and a reclaimer processor 220.Other processors (not shown) may be connected to network 215. System200's product processor 205 may be descried in more detail below withrespect to FIG. 4.

Embodiments consistent with the invention may comprise a system forproviding a theft deterrent cable. The system may comprise a memorystorage for maintaining a database and a processing unit coupled to thememory storage. The processing unit may be operative to create aplurality of unique codes and to place a plurality of indiciaperiodically and longitudinally on the cable. The plurality of indiciamay respectively correspond to the plurality of unique codes. Theprocessing unit may be further operative to assign, in a database, theplurality of unique codes to an organizational entity. Theorganizational entity may comprise a first enterprise. In addition, theprocessing unit may be further operative to receive an indication thatthe cable is to be transferred from the first enterprise to a secondenterprise. Moreover, the processing unit may be operative to assign inthe database, in response to the received indication, the plurality ofunique codes from the organizational entity comprising the firstenterprise to the organizational entity comprising a second enterprise.

Consistent with embodiments of the present invention, the aforementionedmemories, processing units, and other components may be implemented in asystem, such as theft deterrent system 200 of FIG. 2. Any suitablecombination of hardware, software, and/or firmware may be used toimplement the memories, processing units, or other components. By way ofexample, the memories, processing units, or other components may beimplemented with product processor 205, first enterprise processor 210,or reclaimer processor 220 in combination with system 200. Theaforementioned system and processors are exemplary and other systems andprocessors may comprise the aforementioned memories, processing units,or other components, consistent with embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart setting forth the general stages involved in amethod 300 consistent with embodiments of the invention for providing atheft deterrent cable. Method 300 may be implemented using productprocessor 205 as described in more detail below with respect to FIG. 4.Ways to implement the stages of method 300 will be described in greaterdetail below. Method 300 may begin at starting block 305 and proceed tostage 310 where product processor 205 may create a plurality of uniquecodes. For example, the plurality of unique codes may comprise anyunique sequential number (e.g. alphanumeric) series. In addition each ofthe plurality of unique codes may also indicate a date and/or time thecable was manufactured, a manufacturing line on which the cablemanufactured, a license under which certain rights are granted, aparticular specification under which the cable is manufactured, a lineardistance and a plant where the cable was manufactured.

After the plurality of unique codes are created, a plurality of indiciamay be placed periodically and longitudinally on the cable apredetermined distance apart. The plurality of indicia may respectivelycorrespond to the plurality of unique codes. Each one of the pluralityof indicia may include a sequential number portion corresponding to asequential number that may be incremented by an amount equal to thepredetermined distance. For example, if each of the plurality of indiciaare placed one foot apart, the sequential number portion may beincremented by one. If each of the plurality of indicia are placed thetwo feet apart, the sequential number portion may be incremented by two.Notwithstanding, the sequential number portion may indicate a lineardistance from a reference point. The sequential number may be set orreset to zero (or any other value) at a given time (e.g., Jan. 1 of agiven year), when a certain order is completed, or when a certainlicense is granted.

The plurality of indicia may be placed using any unit of measurement(e.g., the Metric System) and is not limited to the English MeasurementSystem or even specifically to footage markers within the EnglishMeasurement System. Furthermore, each of the plurality of indicia may beplaced longitudinally on the cable at random distances apart from eachother. Regardless of whether they are random or at a predetermineddistance, the indicia may reflect an accurate linear distance for theplacement of the indicia in the cable.

Consistent with embodiments of the invention, no space may exist betweenthe indicia. In other words, the plurality of indicia may be continuouswith no space between individual ones of the plurality of indicia. Asdescribed above with respect to FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, and FIG. 1C, theplurality of indicia may be placed on an exterior of a cable, may beplaced on an exterior of any layer of the cable, or may be placed on anexterior of any conductor of the cable. Moreover, the plurality ofindicia may be placed while the cable is moving on a production lineduring manufacture of the cable using, for example, a laser.Notwithstanding, the plurality of indicia placed on the cable may bevisually perceivable by a person. Moreover, as described above withrespect to FIG. 1B, the plurality of indicia may be placed on anexterior of the conductor when the conductor is stranded. In this caseeach one of the plurality of indicia may be place to fit on strands ofthe stranded conductor. The aforementioned laser may comprise, but isnot limited to, a Yag laser system manufactured by KBA-MetronicCorporation of Veitshoechheim, Germany.

Consistent with embodiments of the invention, a number of factors may bebalanced in order to place the plurality of indicia on the cable. Forexample, the number of characters in an individual indicia and the timespent writing each character on the cable verses the line speed at whichthe cable is being manufactured may be balanced. For example, for afaster line speed: i) there may not be enough time to write enoughcharacters to write a whole individual indicia; ii) there may not beenough time to write an individual indicia's characters deeply enoughwith a laser; or iii) there may not be enough time to properly write anindividual indicia's characters with any writing or etching process.Consequently, in order to write individual indicia, the aforementionedline speed may need to be slowed. Slowing the line speed, however, maybe undesirable.

Consistent with embodiments of the invention, in order to writeindividual indicia without slowing the line speed, a number of otherways to write the individual indicia may be used. For example, eachindividual indicia within the plurality of indicia may be broken intotwo or more pieces and the individual pieces may be alternately placedperiodically and longitudinally on the cable at predetermined distancesapart. For example, a first indicia in the plurality of indicia may bebroken into a first piece and a second piece, a second indicia in theplurality of indicia may be broken into a first piece and a secondpiece, and a third indicia in the plurality of indicia may be brokeninto a first piece and a second piece. Then the indicia pieces may beplaced sequentially on the cable at predetermined distances apart asfollows: the first piece of the first indicia, the second piece of thefirst indicia, the first piece of the second indicia, the second pieceof the second indicia, the first piece of the third indicia, the secondpiece of the third indicia, etc. By breaking each of the plurality ofindicia into at least two pieces, less characters may be written atgiven locations periodically and longitudinally on the cable at thepredetermined distances apart. With fewer characters to write at thegiven locations, more time may be spent writing each individualcharacter at a given location. Consequently, the writing quality may beincreased. Writing quality may be a function of the depth at which alaser-written character is written or the amount of ink used to write anink-written character, for example.

Furthermore, as stated above, each individual indicia may comprise aunique code and a sequential number portion. With respect to the brokenpieces example above, the first pieces may comprise the unique codes andthe second pieces may comprise a sequential number portion (e.g., afootage marker). Consequently, an alternating arrangement may beprovided. In other words, footage markers and unique codes may bealternated periodically and longitudinally on the cable a predetermineddistance apart.

In addition, the periodic distance at which individual indicia and/orindicia pieces are placed on the cable may be calculated based on adesired writing quality and the number of characters to be written foreach individual indicia and/or indicia piece at a given location. Forexample, for a given line speed and a given number of characters to bewritten, the periodic distance between individual indicia and/or indiciapieces may need to be X. However, if the same writing quality andcharacter number is to be maintained at a higher line speed, thedistance may need to be increased to X+n. Similarly, if the line speedcan be decreased, the distance may be decreased to X−n with a givenquality level being maintained.

Consistent with embodiments of the invention, each one of the pluralityof indicia may be configured not to interfere with proper termination ofthe cable. For example, the indicia may be themselves conductive and maynot include paints, varnishes, and other coverings that may need to beremoved before termination. Notwithstanding, the indicia may beconductive or nonconductive and may be configured to be removed from theconductor when the cable including the conductor is terminated. Forexample, the indicia may be configured to be removed by a technician bybrushing the indicia away with a wire brush.

Furthermore, the indicia may be “tamper proof.” For example, the indiciamay be placed on a conductor, conductors, or on any layer of the cablein such a way that it may be difficult to be removed by a potentialthief. For example, laser etching may be difficult to be removed by apotential thief. Furthermore, the volume of indicia placed on the cablemay make it impractical for a potential thief to remove all indicia fromthe cable.

Moreover, the indicia may not only comprise a sequential number (e.g.that visually presents itself as sequential), but also a code that maynot be a set of numbers at all (e.g., has no visual appearance as asequence). The indicia may be a series of letters, dots, characters,markings of any type (or any combination thereof) that may be generatedby an encryption algorithm. A so encrypted indicia could be decryptedwhen need be.

Consistent with embodiments of the invention, a indictor or plurality ofindicators may be placed on the product. For example, an indicator maybe included with the indicia, may be placed on the product (e.g. thecable) in addition to the indicia, or may be placed on the product withno relation to the indicia. The indicator may be placed, for example,using any of the aforementioned processes for placing the indicia (e.g.a laser source, chemical etching process, high temperature/high adhesionink, high speed indexing printing wheel, etc.). The indicator maycomprise a highly visible logo or other insignia type that may bevisible at a distance from the product. The indicator may identify theproduct as having a theft deterrent feature. In this way, seeing theindicator may communicate to a potential thief that the product can betraced thus providing a deterrent to thief. Notwithstanding, theindicator may be placed on any layer or layers of the cable or on anyconductor or conductors of the cable.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a cable 505 consistent with embodimentsof the invention. As shown in FIG. 5, cable 505 may comprise, but is notlimited to, a stranded electrical conductor having a center strand 510and any number of outer strands 515 or layers stranded around centerstrand 510. As stated above, indicia may be placed anywhere on any layeror surface on a product (e.g. a cable) consistent with embodiments ofthe invention. The indicia may be placed in such a way that the indiciaare not visible from the exterior of the cable. For example, an indicia520 may be placed on center strand 510, under outer strands 515. Asshown in FIG. 5, portions of outer strands 515 may need to be removedfrom center strand 510 in order to expose indicia 520 that wouldotherwise be covered by one or more of outer strands 515.

Indicia 520 may comprise one of a plurality of indicia placedperiodically and longitudinally on center strand 510, under outerstrands 515. Because indicia 520 may not be on an exterior surface ofcable 505, indicia 520 may only be visible after some or all of outerstrands 515 are removed. Accordingly, cable 505 may include an indicatorcomprising, for example, a highly visible logo, other insignia type, orany other type of indicator that may be visible at a distance from cable505. The indicator may identify cable 505 as having a theft deterrentfeature. In this way, seeing the indicator may communicate to apotential thief that cable 505 can be traced, thus providing a deterrentto thief. Similarly, the indicator may identify cable 505 as having atheft deterrent feature to, for example, a scrap dealer, a customer, alaw enforcement agency, or any other third party. It may be communicatedor other wise published to the general public, scrap dealers, customers,law enforcement agencies, or to anyone that the indicator means that aproduct bearing the indicator means that the product has a theftdeterrent feature.

As shown in FIG. 5 the indicator, for example, may comprise one or moreof outer strands 515 being different (e.g. visibly different) from therest of outer strands 515. For example, one or more outer strands 515(e.g. a strand 515 a) may comprise a tin-coated copper strand while theremainder of outer strands 515 may comprise copper. In this way, strand515 a may be shinier than the rest of outer strands 515 and thus visiblydifferent from the rest of outer strands 515. Also, strand 515 a coatedwith tin may oxidize at a much slower rate than copper, thus it maycreate a visual contrast that may last through the life of cable 505.Consequently, cable 505 may include an indicator that may be visible ata distance from cable 505 when one or more of outer strands 515 isdifferent (e.g. visibly different) from the rest of outer strands 515.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a product 605. As stated above, product605 may comprise, but is not limited to, an electrical conductor. Asshown in FIG. 6, a plurality of indicia (e.g. a first indicia 610 and asecond indicia 615, etc.) may be placed periodically and longitudinallyon product 605.

Product 605 may comprise an outer layer 620 and an inner portion 625.Outer layer 620 and inner portion 625 may comprise visibly differentmaterials. For example, outer layer 620 may be made of a materialshinier than a material comprising inner portion 625. Specifically,outer layer 620 may be made of tin and inner portion 625 may be made ofcopper. Moreover, inner portion 625 may be solid. In another embodiment,inner portion 625 may not be solid, but may include a longitudinallycylindrical hole (not shown) running from one end of product 605 to theother creating a pipe or conduit.

In placing the plurality of indicia (e.g. first indicia 610 and secondindicia 615, etc.) periodically and longitudinally on product 605, alaser based marking system may be used. Specifically, the plurality ofindicia may be etched through outer layer 620 and into inner portion625. Consequently, a visual contrast may be created in the symbolscomprising the plurality of indicia. For example, this visual contrastmay be due to the outer surface of outer layer 620 being shinier thanthe symbols comprising the plurality of indicia, which may be etchedinto inner portion 625 comprising a material duller than the outersurface of outer layer 620. In other words, because the bottoms of thesymbols comprising the plurality of indicia may be cut into the dullerinner portion 625, the symbols comprising the plurality of indicia mayappear duller or flatter than the outer surface of outer layer 620.

Furthermore, having a shinny outer layer 620 may comprise an indicatorthat may be visible at a distance from product 605. This indicator mayidentify product 605 as having a theft deterrent feature. In this way,seeing the indicator may communicate to a potential thief that product605 can be traced, thus providing a deterrent to thief.

Consistent with embodiments of the invention, center strand 510 or outerstrands 515 (as shown in FIG. 5) may comprise, but not limited to, astructure similar to product 605 of FIG. 6. In other words, centerstrand 510 or outer strands 515 may comprise an outer layer and an innerportion. As with product 605, center strand 510's or outer strands 515'souter layer and inner portion may comprise visibly different materials.For example, the outer layer may be made of a material shinier than amaterial comprising the inner portion. Specifically, the outer layer maybe made of tin and the inner portion may be made of copper. Furthermore,indicia (e.g. indicia 520) may be etched through the outer layer ofcenter strand 510 or outer strands 515 and into the inner portion ofcenter strand 510 or outer strands 515. Consequently, a visual contrastmay be created in the symbols comprising the indicia (e.g. indicia 520.)

Once product processor 205 creates the plurality of unique codes andplaces the plurality of indicia periodically and longitudinally on thecable in stage 310, method 300 may continue to stage 320 where productprocessor 205 may assign, in a database (e.g. a database 440 asdescribed below with respect to FIG. 4), the plurality of unique codesto an organizational entity. The organizational entity may comprise afirst enterprise. For example, the first enterprise may comprise, but isnot limited to, an enterprise that is to distribute the cable, anenterprise that is purchasing the cable an enterprise for which thecable is being manufactured, or an enterprise that is to install thecable.

After product processor 205 assigns the plurality of unique codes to theorganizational entity in stage 320, method 300 may proceed to stage 330where product processor 205 may receive an indication that the cable isto be transferred from the first enterprise to a second enterprise. Forexample, using first enterprise processor 210, the first enterprise maycommunicate with product processor 205 over network 215. Through thiscommunication, the first enterprise may indicate that the ownership of aparticular amount of cable is being transferred to the secondenterprise. In this communication, the first enterprise may specify aseries of the plurality of unique codes corresponding to the cable who'sownership is being transferred from the first enterprise to a secondenterprise.

From stage 330, where product processor 205 receives the indication thatthe cable is to be transferred from the first enterprise to the secondenterprise, method 300 may advance to stage 340 where product processor205 may assign in database 440, in response to the received indication,the plurality of unique codes from the organizational entity comprisingthe first enterprise to the organizational entity comprising the secondenterprise. For example, the second enterprise may comprise anenterprise purchasing the cable, an enterprise that is to distribute thecable, an enterprise for which the cable is being manufactured, and anenterprise that is to install the cable. For example, the firstenterprise may be a cable distributor and the second enterprise may bean entity purchasing the cable from the cable distributor. In addition,the first enterprise may be and entity for which the cable is beingmanufactured and the second enterprise may be an entity that the firstenterprise has contracted with to install the cable. Moreover, the firstenterprise may be an entity for which the cable is being manufacturedand the second enterprise may be an entity purchasing the cable from thefirst entity.

Once product processor 205 assigns the plurality of unique codes fromthe first enterprise to the second enterprise in stage 340, method 300may continue to stage 350 where product processor 205 may receive aninput. For example, the input may be received from a reclaimer operatingreclaimer processor 220. The reclaimer may comprise, but is not limitedto, an enterprise that recycles materials (e.g. copper or aluminum.) Inthis example, the second entity may bring cable to the reclaimer. Thereclaimer may record codes from indicia from the cable brought forrecycling. For each piece of cable, the reclaimer may record a codeclosest to a first end of the cable and a code closets to a second endof the cable. Notwithstanding, the reclaimer may record any one or morecodes shown in indicia from the cable brought for recycling. Next, usingreclaimer processor 220, the reclaimer may communicate these recordedcode numbers to product processor 205 through the input.

After product processor 205 receives the input in stage 350, method 300may proceed to stage 360 where product processor 205 may determine ifthe input corresponds to any one of the plurality of unique codes. Forexample, from the received input, product processor 205 may extract therecorded codes submitted by the reclaimer in the input. Then therecorded codes from the input may be compared against codes that havebeen previously saved in database 440 and assigned to certainorganizational entities. Consequently, product processor 205 maydetermine that respective matches exist between one or more of therecorded codes from the input and one or more unique codes previouslysaved in database 440.

From stage 360, where product processor 205 determines if the inputcorresponds to any one of the plurality of unique codes, method 300 mayadvance to stage 370 where product processor 205 may determine theorganizational entity to which the plurality of unique codes areassigned. For example, product processor 205 may determine that therecorded codes from the input match codes previously assigned to thesecond enterprise. Consequently, product processor 205 may transmit anoutput to reclaimer processor 220 indicating that the determinedorganizational entity is the second enterprise. Moreover, productprocessor 205 may determine that the recorded codes from the input donot match codes previously assigned to the second enterprise.Consequently, product processor 205 may transmit the output to reclaimerprocessor 220 indicating that the determined organizational entity isnot the second enterprise. From the output, the reclaimer is better ableto determine if the cable brought for recycling should be purchased fromthe entity bringing the cable. Once product processor 205 determines theorganizational entity to which the plurality of unique codes areassigned in stage 370, method 300 may then end at stage 380.

FIG. 4 shows product processor 205 of FIG. 2 in more detail. As shown inFIG. 4, product processor 205 may include a processing unit 425 and amemory 430. Memory 430 may include theft deterrent software module 435and database 440. First enterprise processor 210 and reclaimer processor220 may comprise similar structures. While executing on processing unit425, deterrent software module 435 may perform processes for providing atheft deterrent cable, including, for example, one or more method 300stages described above with respect to FIG. 3. Furthermore, one or moremethod 300 stages may be performed by first enterprise processor 210 orreclaimer processor 220.

Product processor 205, first enterprise processor 210, and reclaimerprocessor 220 (“the processors”) included in system 200 may beimplemented using a personal computer, network computer, mainframe, orother similar microcomputer-based workstation. The processors may thoughcomprise any type of computer operating environment, such as hand-helddevices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmablesender electronic devices, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and thelike. The processors may also be practiced in distributed computingenvironments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices.Furthermore, the processors may comprise a mobile terminal, such as asmart phone, a cellular telephone, a cellular telephone utilizingwireless application protocol (WAP), personal digital assistant (PDA),intelligent pager, portable computer, a hand held computer, aconventional telephone, or a facsimile machine. The aforementionedsystems and devices are exemplary and the processors may comprise othersystems or devices.

Network 215 may comprise, for example, a local area network (LAN) or awide area network (WAN). When a LAN is used as network 215, a networkinterface located at any of the processors may be used to interconnectany of the processors. When network 215 is implemented in a WANnetworking environment, such as the Internet, the processors maytypically include an internal or external modem (not shown) or othermeans for establishing communications over the WAN. Further, inutilizing network 215, data sent over network 215 may be encrypted toinsure data security by using known encryption/decryption techniques.

In addition to utilizing a wire line communications system as network215, a wireless communications system, or a combination of wire line andwireless may be utilized as network 215 in order to, for example,exchange web pages via the Internet, exchange e-mails via the Internet,or for utilizing other communications channels. Wireless can be definedas radio transmission via the airwaves. However, it may be appreciatedthat various other communication techniques can be used to providewireless transmission, including infrared line of sight, cellular,microwave, satellite, packet radio, and spread spectrum radio. Theprocessors in the wireless environment can be any mobile terminal, suchas the mobile terminals described above. Wireless data may include, butis not limited to, paging, text messaging, e-mail, Internet access andother specialized data applications specifically excluding or includingvoice transmission. For example, the processors may communicate across awireless interface such as, for example, a cellular interface (e.g.,general packet radio system (GPRS), enhanced data rates for globalevolution (EDGE), global system for mobile communications (GSM)), awireless local area network interface (e.g., WLAN, IEEE 802, WiFi,WiMax), a bluetooth interface, another RF communication interface,and/or an optical interface.

System 200 may also transmit data by methods and processes other than,or in combination with, network 215. These methods and processes mayinclude, but are not limited to, transferring data via, diskette, flashmemory sticks, CD ROM, facsimile, conventional mail, an interactivevoice response system (IVR), or via voice over a publicly switchedtelephone network.

Generally, consistent with embodiments of the invention, program modulesmay include routines, programs, components, data structures, and othertypes of structures that may perform particular tasks or that mayimplement particular abstract data types. Moreover, embodiments of theinvention may be practiced with other computer system configurations,including hand-held devices, multiprocessor systems,microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics,minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. Embodiments of theinvention may also be practiced in distributed computing environmentswhere tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linkedthrough a communications network. In a distributed computingenvironment, program modules may be located in both local and remotememory storage devices.

Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may be practiced in anelectrical circuit comprising discrete electronic elements, packaged orintegrated electronic chips containing logic gates, a circuit utilizinga microprocessor, or on a single chip containing electronic elements ormicroprocessors. Embodiments of the invention may also be practicedusing other technologies capable of performing logical operations suchas, for example, AND, OR, and NOT, including but not limited tomechanical, optical, fluidic, and quantum technologies. In addition,embodiments of the invention may be practiced within a general purposecomputer or in any other circuits or systems.

Embodiments of the invention, for example, may be implemented as acomputer process (method), a computing system, or as an article ofmanufacture, such as a computer program product or computer readablemedia. The computer program product may be a computer storage mediareadable by a computer system and encoding a computer program ofinstructions for executing a computer process. The computer programproduct may also be a propagated signal on a carrier readable by acomputing system and encoding a computer program of instructions forexecuting a computer process. Accordingly, the present invention may beembodied in hardware and/or in software (including firmware, residentsoftware, micro-code, etc.). In other words, embodiments of the presentinvention may take the form of a computer program product on acomputer-usable or computer-readable storage medium havingcomputer-usable or computer-readable program code embodied in the mediumfor use by or in connection with an instruction execution system. Acomputer-usable or computer-readable medium may be any medium that cancontain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for useby or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, ordevice.

The computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be, for example butnot limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic,infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, or propagationmedium. More specific computer-readable medium examples (anon-exhaustive list), the computer-readable medium may include thefollowing: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portablecomputer diskette, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory(ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flashmemory), an optical fiber, and a portable compact disc read-only memory(CD-ROM). Note that the computer-usable or computer-readable mediumcould even be paper or another suitable medium upon which the program isprinted, as the program can be electronically captured, via, forinstance, optical scanning of the paper or other medium, then compiled,interpreted, or otherwise processed in a suitable manner, if necessary,and then stored in a computer memory.

Embodiments of the present invention, for example, are described abovewith reference to block diagrams and/or operational illustrations ofmethods, systems, and computer program products according to embodimentsof the invention. The functions/acts noted in the blocks may occur outof the order as shown in any flowchart. For example, two blocks shown insuccession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or theblocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending uponthe functionality/acts involved.

While certain embodiments of the invention have been described, otherembodiments may exist. Furthermore, although embodiments of the presentinvention have been described as being associated with data stored inmemory and other storage mediums, data can also be stored on or readfrom other types of computer-readable media, such as secondary storagedevices, like hard disks, floppy disks, or a CD-ROM, a carrier wave fromthe Internet, or other forms of RAM or ROM. Further, the disclosedmethods' stages may be modified in any manner, including by reorderingstages and/or inserting or deleting stages, without departing from theinvention.

While the specification includes examples, the invention's scope isindicated by the following claims. Furthermore, while the specificationhas been described in language specific to structural features and/ormethodological acts, the claims are not limited to the features or actsdescribed above. Rather, the specific features and acts described aboveare disclosed as example for embodiments of the invention.

1. A method for providing a theft deterrent product, the methodcomprising: creating a plurality of unique codes; placing a plurality ofindicia periodically and longitudinally on the product comprising anouter layer and an inner portion, the plurality of indicia respectivelycorresponding to the plurality of unique codes wherein placing theplurality of indicia comprises etching through the outer layer and intothe inner portion; and assigning, in a database, the plurality of uniquecodes to an organizational entity, the organizational entity comprisinga first enterprise.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein placing theplurality of indicia periodically and longitudinally on the productcomprising the outer layer and the inner portion comprises placing theplurality of indicia periodically and longitudinally on the productcomprising the outer layer and the inner portion wherein the outer layerand the inner portion comprise visibly different materials.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, wherein placing the plurality of indicia periodicallyand longitudinally on the product comprising the outer layer and theinner portion comprises placing the plurality of indicia periodicallyand longitudinally on the product comprising the outer layer and theinner portion wherein the outer layer is made of a material shinier thana material comprising the inner portion.
 4. The method of claim 1,wherein placing the plurality of indicia periodically and longitudinallyon the product comprising the outer layer and the inner portioncomprises placing the plurality of indicia periodically andlongitudinally on the product comprising the outer layer and the innerportion wherein the outer layer is made of tin and the inner portion ismade of copper.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receivingan indication that the product is to be transferred from the firstenterprise to a second enterprise; and assigning in the database, inresponse to the received indication, the plurality of unique codes fromthe organizational entity comprising the first enterprise to theorganizational entity comprising a second enterprise.
 6. The method ofclaim 2, wherein assigning in the database, in response to the receivedindication, the plurality of unique codes from the organizational entitycomprising the first enterprise to the organizational entity comprisingthe second enterprise wherein the second enterprise comprises at leastone of the following: an enterprise purchasing the product, anenterprise that is to distribute the product, an enterprise for whichthe product is being manufactured, and an enterprise that is to installthe product.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving aninput; determining if the input corresponds to any one of the pluralityof unique codes; determining, when it is determined that the inputcorresponds to the any one of the plurality of unique codes, theorganizational entity to which the plurality of unique codes areassigned; and transmitting an output indicating the determinedorganizational entity.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein creating theplurality of unique codes comprises creating the plurality of uniquecodes wherein each of the plurality of unique codes comprises a uniquesequential number.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein creating theplurality of unique codes comprises creating the plurality of uniquecodes wherein each of the plurality of unique codes comprises a uniquesequential number and indicates at least one of the following: a datethe product was manufactured, a manufacturing line on which the productwas manufactured, a license under which certain rights are granted, aparticular specification under which the product was manufactured, and aplant where the product was manufactured.
 10. The method of claim 1,wherein placing the plurality of indicia periodically and longitudinallyon the product comprises placing the plurality of indicia periodicallyand longitudinally on the product a predetermined distance apart, eachone of the plurality of indicia including a sequential number beingincremented by an amount equal to the predetermined distance.
 11. Themethod of claim 1, wherein placing the plurality of indicia periodicallyand longitudinally on the product comprises placing the plurality ofindicia on the product while the product is moving on a production lineduring manufacture of the product.
 12. The method of claim 1, whereinplacing the plurality of indicia periodically and longitudinally on theproduct comprises placing the plurality of indicia on the product with alaser.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein assigning, in the database,the plurality of unique codes to the organizational entity, theorganizational entity comprising the first enterprise wherein the firstenterprise comprises at least one of the following: an enterprisepurchasing the product, an enterprise that is to distribute the product,an enterprise for which the product is being manufactured, and anenterprise that is to install the product.
 14. The method of claim 1,wherein placing the plurality of indicia periodically and longitudinallyon the product comprises, for each of the plurality of indicia having afirst piece and a second piece, alternating placing, for each of theplurality of indicia, the first piece and the second piece periodicallyon the product.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein alternating placingthe first piece and the second piece comprises alternating placing thefirst piece indicates at least one of the following: a date the productwas manufactured, a manufacturing line on which the product wasmanufactured, a license under which certain rights are granted, aparticular specification under which the product was manufactured, and aplant where the product was manufactured.
 16. The method of claim 14,wherein alternating placing the first piece and the second piececomprises alternating placing the second piece comprising a sequentialnumber portion configured to indicate a linear distance.
 17. A methodfor providing a theft deterrent product, the method comprising: creatinga plurality of unique codes; placing a plurality of indicia periodicallyand longitudinally on the product comprising an outer layer and an innerportion, the plurality of indicia respectively corresponding to theplurality of unique codes wherein the outer layer is made of a materialshinier than a material comprising the inner portion; and assigning, ina database, the plurality of unique codes to an organizational entity,the organizational entity comprising a first enterprise.
 18. The methodof claim 17, wherein placing the plurality of indicia comprises etchingthrough the outer layer and into the inner portion
 19. The method ofclaim 17, wherein placing the plurality of indicia periodically andlongitudinally on the product comprising the outer layer and the innerportion comprises placing the plurality of indicia periodically andlongitudinally on the product comprising the outer layer and the innerportion wherein the outer layer is made of tin and the inner portion ismade of copper.
 20. A method for providing a theft deterrent product,the method comprising: receiving a plurality of unique codes; andplacing a plurality of indicia periodically and longitudinally on theproduct comprising an outer layer and an inner portion, the plurality ofindicia respectively corresponding to the plurality of unique codeswherein placing the plurality of indicia comprises etching through theouter layer and into the inner portion wherein the outer layer is madeof a material shinier than a material comprising the inner portion.